For weekly training, our firefighters practiced tying knots. Ropes and knots can be used alone or as part of a larger system to secure or move equipment or people in a controlled manner.

As part of their entry-level fire academy training, firefighters must learn about a dozen knots such as the clove hitch, bowline, water, overhand safety, becket bend and several variations of the figure-8.... (Full Story & Photos)

For weekly training, firefighters worked with our new recruits to practice donning and doffing their turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as well as raising and using ground ladders and roof ladders.

Simultaneously, another group of firefighters who are working to become Emergency Medical Responders were studying for their final written and practical skills tests.... (Full Story & Photos)

At 7:08 AM, our department and first-alarm mutual aid companies were alerted for a house fire on Ridge Avenue. The caller reported smoke in their home with no visible flames.

Engine 65-2 and Ladder 65 responded on the assignment. Lieutenant 65-B arrived on location to confirm smoke coming from one half of a twin house. Firefighters confirmed the source of the smoke to be a malfunctioning oil furnace. ... (Full Story & Photos)

At 10:46 AM, our department was alerted for an engine to assist UPT Fire & Emergency Services with brush fires along Route 422 in Upper Providence Township. Chief 65 and a crew with Engine 65-2 responded and were assigned to extinguish a brush fire on Route 422 between the Route 29 and Oaks/Egypt Road ramps. Our crew assisted with extinguishing the fire and cleared the scene after about 15 minutes.... (Full Story & Photos)

At 9:26 PM, our department and TowerDirect EMS were alerted for a vehicle crash with unknown injuries on Nutt Road (Route 23) at Kimberton Road (Route 113). Based upon additional information the incident was upgraded to a crash with entrapment. Our department was re-alerted for the upgrade and a second ambulance was added. Firefighters arrived on location to find two vehicles with one person trapped ... (Full Story & Photos)

Shortly after noon, our department was alerted for an appliance fire at the Happy Wash Day laundromat on Bridge Street. The caller reported a dryer was on fire. Chief, Engine 1, Ladder and Squad 65 responded on the assignment. Firefighters arrived to find the first floor full of smoke with a dryer & towels on fire. The fire was extinguished and a positive pressure fan was used to clear smoke from ... (Full Story & Photos)

During last night's Phoenixville Borough Council Meeting, a fire department swearing in ceremony was held. Keith Bliss and Craig Lear were both promoted from the rank of Captain to Assistant Chief. Keith has been with our department since 2003 while Craig has been with our department since 2012. These two represent only a handful of full-time municipal based Chief Officer positions in Chester County.

Thank ... (Full Story & Photos)

At 6:38 PM, our department and first-alarm mutual aid companies were alerted for a house fire on Bateman Drive in The Ledges development. The caller reported a fire on the second floor.

Based upon information prior to arrival, the officer of Engine 65-1 requested the Working Fire Dispatch (WFD) which adds an air cascade unit and an additional ambulance. Engine 65-1 arrived to find nothing showing ... (Full Story & Photos)